I've often thought that martial arts teaches me complete body awareness. I focus on my physical self completely which paradoxically offers a sort of spiritual benefit. I've never gotten that from other sports.

I also think there's something primally attractive about combat. Many males have protector instincts, dominance instincts, and a natural inclination to roughhousing. Go to any playground and see this in action. MA's give me a healthy outlet for these aggressive tendencies, and a place to hone those skillsets should I ever require them for self defense.

Plus it gives me a specific focus/direction to the other things I am less inclined to do but really benefit me - watching my diet, running, swimming, lifting weights can get tedious. When I think of how it benefits my martial ability I'm more inclined to think of these things in a positive light.